The Different Ability® Podcast
by Katey Fortun
Why am I different? Why do things have to be so difficult? Am I dumb? Why am I scared? Will it be this hard forever? Will I ever find the help I need to succeed? When will being different be accepted? Welcome to The Different Ability® Podcast where we will answer all of these questions and a whole lot more! Each week host Katey Fortun brings you tips and tricks on how to navigate being different, along with inspiring stories of guests that are living an amazing life having Different Abilities of their own. Parents and Educators of kids with Different Abilities share their stories to encourage others that they are not alone and we can all get through this together! Katey, who has dyslexia, shares her personal Different Ability stories to show you that being different is a gift, being different is amazing and using your Different Abilities, you too can create and live the life you have always dreamed about! Katey believes that everyone has Different Abilities and it's time to let our
Episodes
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From Dyslexia to Children's Books: A Mother-Son Journey with Lynn Greenberg & Jon Greenberg
Send us Fan Mail Lynn Greenberg is back on The Different Ability® Podcast, and this time she's joined by her son, Jon! In this episode, Jon shares his experiences growing up with dyslexia, the challenges he faced in school, and how finding the right learning environment changed his life. We also...
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The Stories We Don't Tell: Dyslexia, Identity & Representation with Leigh T. Braden
Send us Fan Mail What happens when someone tells your parents you'll probably never graduate high school, but you go on to earn a master's degree and write a novel? In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, I'm joined by Leigh T. Braden, a fellow dyslexic, social worker, and author of…
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Creating What You Wish Existed: Dyslexia, Advocacy & Representation with Lynn Greenberg
Send us Fan Mail What happens when you know your child is smart, creative, and capable, but the way they learn isn’t being understood? In this episode, I sit down with Lynn Greenberg to talk about her experience advocating for her son, John, after recognizing early signs of dyslexia and ADHD. We...
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The Day My Dyslexia Diagnosis Changed My Life
Send us Fan Mail At 10 years old, I finally learned why school had always been so difficult for me. In this special Dyslexia Awareness Month episode, I'm reading excerpts from Chapters 3 and 4 of my book, Embracing Your Different Ability®, taking you back to the testing process, the day I was...
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Understanding Your Brain, Changing Your Life with Saara Haapanen
Send us Fan Mail What happens when you finally understand why your brain works the way it does? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Saara Haapanen, ADHD and wellness expert, international speaker, and founder of Performance is Haapanen. Saara shares the twists and turns of her career, the...
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It's Never Too Late to Understand Yourself with Walter & Stephanie
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I sit down with husband-and-wife duo Walter and Stephanie to talk about their journeys of discovering they are neurodivergent later in life. Stephanie shares her experiences of being diagnosed with dyslexia as a child and, years later, receiving additional...
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Back Behind the Mic!
Send us Fan Mail Where I've been, what I've been building, and the lessons I've learned along the way. After a few quiet months away from the microphone, I'm excited to be back behind the mic. The last few months have been filled with some of the biggest changes of my life... publishing my first...
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The Dyslexic Font That Sparked a Bigger Conversation with Rebeka & Taosies
Send us Fan Mail What happens when a simple font sparks a powerful conversation? In this episode, returning guest Rebeka Acosta is back! This time joined by her teenage son, Taosies, for a real and eye-opening discussion about dyslexia, perspective, and growth. This conversation started when I…
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Breaking Barriers & Building a Life Without Limits with Jo Elizabeth Pinto
Send us Fan Mail What happens when you refuse to accept the limits others place on you? In today’s episode, I sit down with Jo Elizabeth Pinto for a powerful conversation about inclusion, advocacy, and navigating a world that doesn’t always know how to support you. We talk about the importance of...
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Navigating Loss, Motherhood, Homeschooling, and Dyslexia with Stephany Rios
Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, I’m joined by Stephany Rios, host of the Homeschool with Steph podcast, homeschooling mom of five, and entrepreneur. Stephany shares her powerful life story—growing up and stepping into a caregiving role at a young age while her mom battled cancer. In her…
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Chapter 28 Conversation – Courage, Celebration, and Taking the Next Step | Embracing Your Different Ability®
Send us Fan Mail In this final episode of The Different Ability® Podcast for Season 6, Katey reflects on Chapter 28 of Embracing Your Different Ability®, sharing the courage it took to be vulnerable, the mix of emotions she experienced finishing the book, and the practical lessons she’s learned...
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Chapter 27 Conversation – Raising an Advocate – Lessons from a Parent | Embracing Your Different Ability®
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey sits down with her mom, Lynn, to explore Chapter 27 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They discuss how Lynn’s perspective on learning disabilities has evolved since Katey’s diagnosis and the vital role of family,...
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Chapter 26 Conversation – Finding Courage in the Face of Limiting Beliefs | Embracing Your Different Ability®
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom dive into Chapter 26 of Embracing Your Different Ability®, focusing on limiting beliefs, self-doubt, and the courage it takes to keep going—even when quitting feels easier. Katey opens up about the moments…
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Chapter 25 Conversation – Advocating for Change Through Personal Storytelling | Embracing Your Different Ability®
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom reflect on Chapter 25 of Embracing Your Different Ability® and the power of personal storytelling as a catalyst for advocacy and change. Katey shares how speaking at her great aunt Lynn’s celebration of life...
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Chapter 24 Conversation – From Struggles to Strengths: Living with Different Ability® | Embracing Your Different Ability®
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 24 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. Katey shares the pivotal mindset shift that led her to embrace the concept of Different Ability®—reframing dyslexia from a limitation into a source...
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Chapter 23 Conversation – Embracing Mentors and Making an Impact | Embracing Your Different Ability®
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 23 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They dive into the powerful role mentors play in shaping confidence, careers, and advocacy. Katey reflects on Doug’s advice to focus on making...
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Chapter 22 Conversation – The Power of Networking and Making Bold Moves | Embracing Your Different Ability®
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 22 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They discuss how meaningful connections often open doors more effectively than traditional job applications and how taking bold steps can lead to...
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Chapter 21 Conversation – The Power of a Gift: How Advocacy Begins in the Heart | Embracing Your Different Ability®
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 21 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. Katey reflects on the profound impact her great aunt Lynn had on her life and advocacy journey, sharing meaningful memories that made her feel…
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Chapter 20 Conversation – The Hand That Raised Mine: Honoring a Legacy of Advocacy | Embracing Your Different Ability®
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 20 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. Katey reflects on a powerful moment that felt like her hand was being raised by Lynn herself and how that experience reshaped her perspective on...
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Chapter 19 Conversation – Ask, Connect, Achieve: How Taking Risks Opened New Doors | Embracing Your Different Ability®
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 19 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They discuss how Katey’s experiences at UW-Stout prepared her for networking, taking risks, and confidently putting herself out there. Katey shares...
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Chapter 18 Conversation – Breaking Barriers: Kindness, Connection, and Personal Growth | Embracing Your Different Ability®
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, dive into Chapter 18 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They explore the power of kindness, persistence, and human connection through stories that shaped Katey’s personal growth. From breaking down...
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Chapter 17 Conversation – Putting Yourself Out There: The Importance of Building Relationships | Embracing Your Different Ability®
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 17 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They discuss how taking initiative, like learning Revit outside of the curriculum, shaped Katey’s confidence, leadership, and professional identity...
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Chapter 16 Conversation – Finding My Voice: Advocacy, Self-Discovery, and College Challenges | Embracing Your Different Ability®
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 16 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They discuss managing test anxiety, the role of humor in coping with college demands, and understanding unique learning differences such as letter...
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Chapter 15 Conversation – From Small Town to Big Opportunities: Self-Advocacy in College | Embracing Your Different Ability®
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 15 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They discuss the mental shift required when transitioning from the supportive environment of high school to advocating for yourself in college.…
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Chapter 14 Conversation – Embracing Dyslexia and Building My Dream at UW-Stout | Embracing Your Different Ability®
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 14 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They discuss Katey’s journey of self-acceptance and overcoming self-doubt while pursuing the Art and Design program at UW-Stout. Katey shares the...
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Chapter 13 Conversation – From Rebellion to Realization – Starting My College Journey | Embracing Your Different Ability®
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, dive into Chapter 13 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They explore the pivotal moments that shaped Katey’s college decision, including advice from her Great Aunt Lynn, navigating peer influence, and...
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Chapter 12 Conversation – A Teacher’s Impact: How Mrs. D Showed Me the Power of Advocacy | Embracing Your Different Ability®
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 12 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They discuss the pivotal role of teachers in helping students advocate for themselves, highlighting the encouragement Katey received from Mrs. D...
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Chapter 11 Conversation – Testing My Limits: The Power of Accommodations | Embracing Your Different Ability®
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 11 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They discuss the challenges students face in embracing accommodations during high school, the balance between independence and support, and how…
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Chapter 10 Conversation – A First Job That Taught Me Life Lessons in Leadership and Independence | Embracing Your Different Ability®
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 10 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They discuss Katey’s first job and the invaluable lessons it taught her about leadership, responsibility, and independence. From being trusted with...
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Chapter 9 Conversation – Learning by Doing – Creativity and Hands-On Learning Shaped My Story | Embracing Your Different Ability®
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, dive into Chapter 9 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They explore how creativity, thinking outside the box, and hands-on experiences—like welding at a young age—helped Katey build confidence…
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Chapter 8 Conversation – Redefining Learning: How I Advocated for My Success | Embracing Your Different Ability®
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, dive into Chapter 8 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They explore the challenges Katey faced during classroom reading sessions, the anxiety and stress of struggling with traditional learning methods,...
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Chapter 7 Conversation – Standing Up for Myself – The Moment That Changed Everything | Embracing Your Different Ability®
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 7 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They dive into the pivotal middle school moment that shaped Katey’s confidence and taught her the power of using her voice. Katey reflects on how...
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Chapter 6 Conversation – Finding My Voice Through Dyslexia and Sports | Embracing Your Different Ability®
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 6 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They discuss the challenges Katey faced transitioning from elementary to middle school while navigating a learning disability, the impact of...
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Chapter 5 Conversation – Beyond the Diagnosis: A Mother’s Journey Through Dyslexia | Embracing Your Different Ability®
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, dive into Chapter 5 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They discuss the moment Lynn realized Katey’s reading struggles were more than typical childhood challenges and the emotional journey of…
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Chapter 4 Conversation – Shifting the Narrative: “I Learn Differently” | Embracing Your Different Ability®
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey, her mom Lynn, and a special guest appearance by her dad dive into Chapter 4 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They explore the transformative power of the phrase “I just learn differently,” how it shaped Katey’s…
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Chapter 3 Conversation – Finding My Voice Through Dyslexia | Embracing Your Different Ability®
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 3 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They discuss the long journey of recognizing hidden struggles, the emotional impact of feeling “dumb” or “stupid,” and the importance of advocacy…
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Chapter 2 Conversation – Trusting Your Gut: A Parent’s Journey Through Unseen Struggles | Embracing Your Different Ability®
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, dive into Chapter 2 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They explore the challenges of recognizing a child’s hidden struggles, the impact of teacher feedback, and the ways a shy personality can mask...
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Chapter 1 Conversation – From Shame to Strength | Embracing Your Different Ability®
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey dives deeper into Chapter 1 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. This conversation reflects on early moments of self-doubt, the long-lasting impact of being misunderstood, and the quiet signs that often get missed when a...
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RE-RELEASE: Dyslexia Struggles
Send us Fan Mail This week, I’m bringing back a powerful conversation from the archive: Dyslexia Struggles. As I prepare for the release of my book Embracing Your Different Ability®, it felt like the perfect time to revisit this episode where I open up about the real, everyday challenges I face...
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RE-RELEASE: Standing up to your bully!
Send us Fan Mail Re-releasing this episode because the message still matters. If you’ve ever been made to feel “less than,” this is your reminder: you are not alone! Let’s stand up to our bullies, grow in confidence, and embrace what makes us uniquely us - differences and all! Stay in the loop…
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Her Son’s Diagnosis Changed Everything — For the Better with Patty Laushman
Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Patty Laushman — coach, educator, and neurodiversity advocate — to talk about her journey as a mom navigating years of uncertainty before learning her son is autistic. She shares what those first 8½ years were like, the challenges her...
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Living Fully with CMD: Advocacy, Confidence & Community with Kelly Berger & Avery Roberts
Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode, I sit down with Kelly Berger and Avery Roberts, hosts of the Wheel Talk with Kelly & Avery Podcast, for an honest and uplifting conversation about living fully with congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD). Together, we talk about what it really means to grow...
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Rising Through It All: Faith, Fire & Fierce Advocacy — with Kimberly Hendrix
Send us Fan Mail In this powerful conversation, Kimberly Hendrix shares her journey through life’s hardest seasons — from marriage struggles and motherhood to building a decades-long business, raising a child with Down syndrome, and facing breast cancer. Through it all, she’s leaned on faith,...
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Audio Book Talk & Bloopers!
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of recording my audio book Embracing Your Different Ability®! I share how the process has been going, what’s surprised me, what’s been harder than expected, and what I’ve loved most about bringing my book to life in my own voice....
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Where Have I Been? A Real-Life Update
Send us Fan Mail Life has been full and before I knew it, a month had passed without a new podcast episode. In this short, honest update, I’m sharing where I’ve been, why this pause wasn’t intentional, and what this season has been teaching me about grace, growth, and honoring the work behind the...
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Embracing What I Was Good At – An Audiobook Sneak Peek (Chapter 9)
Send us Fan Mail Today’s episode is a little different and a little more personal. On this Christmas Eve, I’m sharing a short sneak peek from the audiobook of Embracing Your Different Ability®. This excerpt comes from Chapter 9, where I talk about learning to embrace what I was good at in...
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Life, Loss, and Love: Raising Great, Even When… with Grace Berios
Send us Fan Mail Grace Berios opens up about the emotional journey of discovering her youngest son, Teddy, has Down syndrome. From grief and uncertainty to life-changing travel and new perspectives, Grace shares how her family found hope, balance, and joy while raising kids of all abilities—and…
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RE-RELEASE: The Diagnosis
Send us Fan Mail We’re going way back to the early days of the podcast! I’m re-releasing Episode Three — an important chapter of my story and one of the most meaningful episodes from the beginning. In this throwback, I share what it was like to finally get my diagnosis and understand why I...
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RE-RELEASE: The Struggle
Send us Fan Mail We’re taking it way back! I’m re-releasing Episode Two — one of the very first episodes I ever recorded and the beginning of my Different Ability® story. In this throwback episode, I open up about the tough early years: the moments when I felt “dumb,” couldn’t understand why…
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A Journey of Pivots, Purpose, and Peace with Serena Sevits
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I sit down with Serena — a woman whose winding path shaped her into the strong, grounded, inspiring person she is today. She grew up attending a one-room schoolhouse, moved through different schools, and eventually headed to Pacific Union College to study…
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About this show
Why am I different? Why do things have to be so difficult? Am I dumb? Why am I scared? Will it be this hard forever? Will I ever find the help I need to succeed? When will being different be accepted? Welcome to The Different Ability® Podcast where we will answer all of these questions and a whole lot more! Each week host Katey Fortun brings you tips and tricks on how to navigate being different, along with inspiring stories of guests that are living an amazing life having Different Abilities of their own. Parents and Educators of kids with Different Abilities share their stories to encourage others that they are not alone and we can all get through this together! Katey, who has dyslexia, shares her personal Different Ability stories to show you that being different is a gift, being different is amazing and using your Different Abilities, you too can create and live the life you have always dreamed about! Katey believes that everyone has Different Abilities and it's time to let our
Hosted by
Katey Fortun